Does lead poisoning cause crime?

Yes, there is a significant discussion in the Mind Pump Podcast about the connection between lead poisoning and increases in violent crime. According to the hosts, studies show that lead poisoning accounts for a considerable percentage of violence around the world. They note that once lead was removed from gasoline, there was a notable decrease in violence. Lead poisoning particularly affects children, impairing their brain development in ways that lead to a reduction in impulse control and empathy, which can increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. This effect manifests over a generation, as the behaviors influenced by lead exposure in childhood become apparent in adulthood. The hosts discuss how significant reductions in crime followed the removal of lead from gasoline after a delay of about two decades, highlighting this generational effect 1.